Amphibian Species of the Coastal Ecoregion of Eastern Africa: Richness, Distribution, and Conservation

Literature on the current status of amphibian species of the Eastern African coastal ecoregion is limited. This study therefore reviews amphibian species richness, composition, and conservation status along the region. It is assumed that amphibian species richness, composition, and levels of endemism vary between countries due to extensive latitudinal gradient. Of most important habitats for conservation of biodiversity are the coastal forests that range from southern Somalia through Kenya, Tanzania to Mozambique. They harbor endemic and diverse species of plants and animals. Ninety-two amphibian species occur within the region including 87 anurans and five caecilians. Twelve species are endemic including eight that occur in Tanzania, two in Kenya and two in Somalia. The offshore islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia have 50% of the endemic species. Of the 92 species, three are considered critically endangered, seven are endangered, two are vulnerable, two are not evaluated, and 83 species are categorized as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Major threats to the amphibian fauna are forest loss and fragmentation associated with urbanization and human population increase. Best practices in conservation and management of forests are recommended.